Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts & Entertainment

American Idol's 'Chikezie Smashed It!'

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Chikeze Eze, who previously auditioned for American Idol with no success and barely got into this year's contest has turned the judges' opinions of him from just "interesting" to a star after last night's stunning performance at The Beatles themed Final 12 show.

The Inglewood native and current El Camino College student performed "She's A Woman" last night with raving reviews from the all three judges. "I'm really surprised I actually agree with these two," Simon said. "I thought you were terrific." Randy was so excited, he screamed "Chikeze Smashed It!"

Brooke White, a Los Angeles transplant from Mesa, AZ also impressed judges as well as Carly Smithson, a San Diegan originally from Ireland. Also, keep an eye for David Cook from Missouri who rocked the hell out of "Eleanor Rigby."

Videos of Chikezie and others from last night below. Results from last night's show will be announced on FOX during the program at 9:00 p.m. PST.

Chikezie from Last Night's Top 12 Performance -- "She's A Woman":

Chikezie in February:

Sponsored message

Chikezie's Audition Video

Brooke White's Top 12 Performance -- "Let It Be"

Carly Smithson's Top 12 Performance -- "Come Together"

David Cook performs Eleanor Rigby

Headshot image of Chikezie

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today